Sinn Féin - On Your Side

Sinn Féin TD for Meath West Peadar Tóibín has said that Minister
Pascal Donohoe has delivered a divisive Budget directly in line with Fine Gael
ideological and political objectives.

Deputy Tóibín said:

“They have created a €1.5 billion rainy day fund while
nearly 700,000 people languish now on Hospital waiting lists. They have
introduced €330m in tax cuts while 8,000 people live in emergency
accommodation.

“Health expenditure is worse off when demographics and pay
deals are taken into account. So, it is as you were for over 100 patients
waiting up to 2 years on urgent cardiac care in Our Lady’s Hospital Navan or
the 379 children waiting 18 months or more for cardiac care in Temple Street
Hospital.

“Despite burgeoning house prices and rents and a €1.2
billion Budget, there will be no new social houses built in Meath or anywhere
else over and above those pre-announced over and over again. None.

“Public Transport, a pivotal element of a functioning
economy will receive the addition of a princely sum of €9.6m. As a result, tens
of thousands of dropped Bus Éireann miles will remain dropped and isolated
citizens who live in the National Park outside of Dublin will remain isolated.

“This is truly a Budget for those on higher
incomes. A €20,000 earner will be €53 a year better off. A €70,000 will be €328
a year better off. This is a Budget is designed for those who live on Fine Gael
street but even here people will look at the €6 extra in their pocket and ask
is it worth the continued crisis for so many others.”